You can use one of the three following options to convert images of your Tableau views usable in other programs:
- Copy option gives you the choice of bitmap or enhanced metafile.
- Export option gives you the choice of bitmap, enhanced metafile, JPEG, or PNG.
- Print to PDF option saves an image of the enhanced metafile as a PDF.
Copy the image
When you select Worksheet > Copy > Image (for versions 6.1 and earlier, select Edit > Copy > Image), Tableau copies the image to the Clipboard in two formats: bitmap and enhanced metafile. Depending on where you are pasting, your results may vary. The enhanced metafile is vector-based output and is considered higher quality. In some programs, you can select the Paste Special command to select the metafile.
This is the Paste Special dialog box in Microsoft Word. The bitmap image is good, but the enhanced metafile is better.
Export the image
When you export the image, Tableau lets you select the format in which you want to save it.
Step 1
For Tableau Desktop 7.0 and later, select Worksheet > Export > Image.
For Tableau Desktop 6.1 and earlier, select File > Export > Image.
For Tableau Desktop 6.1 and earlier, select File > Export > Image.
Step 2
In the Export Image dialog box, under Show, clear the check boxes for any elements you do not want to include in the exported image.
Step 3
If you are including any legends in the image, under Legend Layout, select the location where you want the legends to appear in relation to the view.
Step 4
When finished, click Save.
Step 5
In the Save Image dialog box, browse to the location where you want to save the exported image.
Step 6
In the File Name text box, type a name for the image.
Step 7
In the Save as type list, select the format in which you want to save the image.
Step 8
When finished, click OK.
If you want to use the image as a bitmap, to increase the quality, make the Tableau view as large as possible before copying or exporting the image.
| To use the Tableau image in this program... | Use this format. |
| Microsoft Word | If you copy, use "Paste Special" to access enhanced metafile for better quality |
| Microsoft Paint | Export as enhanced metafile |
| Any program that has a "Paste Special" command | Enhanced metafile |
| Microsoft PowerPoint | Bitmap (metafile does not work in PowerPoint) |
Print the image to a PDF file
The PDF includes metadata about the view, like the enhanced metafile.
Step 1
Select File > Print to PDF.
Step 2
In the Print to PDF dialog box, under Range, select how much of the workbook you want to print to PDF.
Step 3
Under Paper Size, select the paper size and orientation.
Step 4
If any elements in the view are currently highlighted, but you don't want the PDF to show that, under Options, clear theShow Selections check box.
Step 5
When finished, click OK.